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Everything about California screams romance. Praised across the globe for its laidback atmosphere, idyllic beaches, and sublime weather year-round, the Golden State proudly flaunts a fascinating concoction of experiences that are simply perfect for couples, and it's home to some of the most romantic weekend getaways in the U.S.
Not to mention that from north to south, California is dotted with spellbinding resorts that are the perfect addition to any romantic vacation. From luxurious oceanfront hotels in San Diego to high-end spa hotels surrounded by sun-drenched vineyards in Napa Valley, the Golden State has plenty to offer when it comes to accommodations.
So whether you and your significant other are dreaming about a secluded retreat in the rugged peaks of the Lost Sierra, or pampering yourselves with a honeymoon trip in a luxury Palm Springs resort, you’re sure to find the perfect getaway in California.
To help you choose your next getaway, we’ve hand-selected the 10 most romantic resorts in California that are guaranteed to spoil you and your loved one with a one-of-a-kind vacation!
As soon as you step foot into the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, you’ll be transported to a fairy-tale-like Tuscany. Surrounded by the golden-hued orchards and vineyards of Paso Robles, the resort spoils guests with all the elements needed for a romantic vacation. Couples can curl up by the fireplace in the luxurious One Bedroom King Fireplace Suite, relax in the spacious outdoor swimming pool and multi-jet hot tub, or pamper themselves with the restoring treatments in Spa Allegretto — their signature warm stone massage is a must-try.
While staying in this romantic getaway, make sure to take advantage of the local restaurant, Cello Ristorante & Bar, and indulge in Mediterranean-inspired dishes, from pasta Carbonara with Chardonnay cream sauce to Pappardelle Alla Bolognese.
Northstar California Resort, Truckee
Photo Credit: Northstar California Resort
Nestled in the majestic Martis Valley, in North Lake Tahoe, the Northstar California Resort is the perfect romantic getaway for couples who are dreaming of an action-filled vacation in Northern California.
Offering exciting activities all year round, the resort treats guests to a delightful line-up of outdoor experiences. During the summer months, couples can hit the local trails and go hiking amidst 8,610 feet tall pine trees, or ride the chairlift to really soak up the views of Lake Tahoe.
Sports enthusiasts can go for a golf session at the 18-hole Mountain Nine course, and then relax by stargazing with powerful Celestron telescopes at nighttime.
During the winter months, don’t pass up the chance to take advantage of the resort’s ski and snowboarding classes and learn to hit the slopes like a pro.
And there are gentler options, too. Couples can relax in the resort’s luxury slopeside condos, which feature gourmet kitchens, outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, and steam rooms, and indulge in the lip-smacking local restaurants and a food truck!
If you’re looking for a laid-back, yet indulgent holiday on the gleaming California coast, the San Diego Mission Bay Resort is a match made in heaven for you. While staying in this spellbinding resort, you’ll be graced with a heavenly ocean view, waterfront dining, relaxing spa treatments, and a variety of outdoor activities.
After a mindful morning spent in your suite’s plush private balcony, be sure to spend the day drinking bubbly by the outdoor pool and get pampered with a Javanese Royal Treatment at Spa Brezza.
Thrill-seekers can rent jet skis or paddleboards and enjoy a variety of water sports on the resort’s private beach, while foodies can have a fireside evening on the bay making s’mores and watching the sunset. It can't get any better than this!
Nakoma Resort, Lost Sierra
Photo Credit: Nakoma Resort
A crown jewel flanked in the heart of Lost Sierra, the Nakoma Resort is a magical retreat that offers a treat for the soul for couples who are seeking a restoring vacation around nature. The resort is home to the 42-room Inn at Nakoma, with 400 square feet of king bedrooms that feature a luxurious and spacious bed, coffee machine, and scenic views of the golf course or forest.
When the nice weather descends, hit the hiking trails located within the property, or venture further out to peaks along the Pacific Crest Trail. Be sure to also go paddleboarding in the alpine lakes of the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, which will give you a spectacular view of the towering rugged mountains of the area. During the winter, snowshoeing through the woods or snow tubing are the best bets.
Few things are more romantic than spending days on end waking up to the views of Napa Valley’s sprawling vineyards and forested hillsides. Located in California’s dreamy wine country, approximately 1½ hours from San Francisco, Meadowood Napa Valley takes romance to another level thanks to its superb range of amenities and experiences.
Couples can stay and spend their days between their lodging of choice — from a treetop room featuring a wood-burning fireplace to a spacious hill house overlooking wooded hillsides — and the Meadowood drinking a soothing signature tea in the relaxation garden and relaxing at the mineral soaking pool.
For the ultimate romantic experience, go for a scenic picnic in one of the nearby wineries and enjoy an intimate meal provided by the Meadowood culinary staff.
L'Auberge Del Mar, San Diego
Photo Credit: L'Auberge Del Mar
An award-winning luxury resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean, L'Auberge Del Mar captivates visitors with luxurious rooms with ocean views, full marble bathrooms and private balconies, and a dazzling range of amenities. Relaxing with a glass of Prosecco in a poolside cabana, exploring the coastal village on their Zybra beach cruisers, and relaxing in the herbal steam rooms at the beach house spa are some of the romantic treats L’Auberge offers couples.
Perfectly framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore is an idyllic romantic getaway in Southern California. Set amidst 22 lush acres, the resort offers a range of experiences so strikingly copious, that you and your loved one will be unspoiled for choice with things to do.
Think of Spanish Colonial villas and bungalows, a heated plunge pool, and a couple’s suite retreat where you can have a side-by-side 80 relaxing massage, topped by two glasses of Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.
La Quinta Resort & Club, Palm Springs
Photo Credit: La Quinta Resort & Club
A weekend trip to La Quinta Resort & Club might be exactly what you and your loved one need to dial up the romance factor in your relationship. Whether you stay at one of the poolside California-style casitas with a fireplace, or at a king hideaway suite with a private hot tub and Santa Rosa Mountain views, you’ll surely fall irrevocably in love with the resort.
For a well-spent holiday in La Quinta Resort & Club, make sure to unwind at their local spa, which offers a variety of treatments, including tailor-made massages, and relax in the resort's 41 swimming pools, most of them offering breathtaking views of surrounding mountains.
Scenic views of rolling vineyards, pools with hot tubs, and a guest-only luxury spa — what else could you want from a romantic resort? A perfect weekend destination in the heart of California's wine country, Carneros Resort and Spa is a dreamy destination where you'll find yourself enjoying life at its finest.
While at the resort, couples will soon discover that one of the best ways of enjoying their stay is by spending a few hours recharging in the Carneros Spa and feasting on the hearty meals served at Farm, the local restaurant, where dishes are made with ingredients from the resort’s culinary garden.
Ventana Big Sur, Big Sur
Photo Credit: Ventana Big Sur
Featuring 59 secluded suites with expansive private balconies, Ventana Big Sur is the perfect romantic escape on California’s dramatic coastline. Self-described as “a place for seekers, visionaries, and romantics”, the hotel flaunts a range of captivating experiences that include relaxing in the resort’s infinity-edge hot tub with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, hiking around Big Sur, taking signature yoga classes, and eating s’mores by the fire at nighttime.
